The development of the networks, the ecological orientation and the digitization of the Transport sector are undoubtedly the practical manifestation of the enlargement and the only way to strengthen its competitiveness, as well as the economy of Europe, underlined, today, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Mr. Christos Staikouras at the informal council of transport ministers, held in Budapest, in the context of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

In particular, Mr. Staikouras noted that in the previous five years, the European Commission and member states formed an ambitious legislative framework for the next decade and more.

The revision of the regulation for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and legislation for the adaptation to the 55% target (fit for 55), offer the basis to start the transformation: enhanced connectivity and coherence, green transport and digitalisation for greater efficiency.

Mr. Staikouras pointed out that, although the solutions and tools exist, the financial needs are many.

He stressed the need for Europe to continue to invest and develop innovative financial tools for the Transport sector, to ensure its integration and development, as well as strengthening the security of the networks, with an emphasis on the railway, which is its most important pillar TEN-T and the sector’s financial tools.

The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport added: “In the coming years, we should work in concert to develop our networks and cross-border cooperation in order to effectively connect with neighboring countries, promote multimodality and alternatives, and achieve the high performance of TEN-T targeting and strategy for smart and sustainable mobility».

Additionally, during successive bilateral meetings, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport had the opportunity to elaborate on the policies of the Greek Government.

On the sidelines of the Council’s work, Mr. Staikouras pointed out to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of North Macedonia, Mr. Aleksandar Nikoloski, that the reference to Macedonia instead of North Macedonia is an illegal and impermissible “red line” for any progress in bilateral relations.